OPAC returns empty pickup library list when it should return an error message

Description

When a user attempts to place a hold request on an item they already have checked out, the OPAC should respond with an error message. Instead, it is presenting the user with an empty pickup location list. 

There is a similar problem with the same scenario in Primo, if the user requests an item they already have checked out, it responds with "pickup location is not valid." But since there is a problem with the pickup list in the OPAC, I'm assuming this is an Aleph issue. 

I have check s activated in tab_hold_request, in these sections: 

CIRC      check_hold_request_s 
POST      check_hold_request_s 
HL-GRP    check_hold_request_s 

Note:  When the hold is attempted in GUI Circ, the staff member *does* get the appropriate error message.

Resolution

**Analysis**

The create_hold_pickup_list program calls check_item_group, which has this comment:
 
* This program receives an item record and (optionally) a pickup location,
* and checks whether the item passes the check_hold_request "HL-GRP" check. If it
* does, and the item's column 10 of tab15 (OPAC display) is set to "Y" and
* SW-ITEM-GRP is set to "Y"....

<end create_hold_pickup_list comment>

But since the xxx50 tab_hold_request has:

 HL-GRP     check_hold_request_s

-- which fails -- "SW-ITEM-GRP" is "N" and the pickup list is empty.

(Of course, this "HL-GRP     check_hold_request_s" line *needs* to be present in order for *Primo* to prevent placing a hold on an item already on loan.)

Note that this problem is not limited to check_hold_request_s: *any* HL-GRP line which fails will cause the pick-up list to be blank.

Resolution

It seems that this logic is insufficient; the failure of a check in OPAC or Primo should result in the appropriate error message for the check rather than an just an empty pick-up list.

When faced with this situation, patrons may well realize that they have made a mistake and the item they are trying to place the hold on is one they already have on loan.  If not, they will take the item to a Circ Desk and Circ staff will try to place the hold (in GUI Circ) and will get the correct message indicating that the patron already has the item on hold (or whatever other HL-GRP check is failing).

An enhancement request could be created to change this, but in view of the preceding, it seems that the consequences of this problem are not that great.

• Article last edited: 12-Nov-2018